Dogs can be mischievous, especially when sneaking food snacks while their pet parents are not looking.
Unfortunately, some foods that are safe for humans to consume have detrimental effects when eaten by dogs. This includes onions, which can lead to onion poisoning when ingested by our canine friends.
Below are some facts about onion poisoning that pet parents should know and what to do if your beloved companion gets ahold of some onions.
Why Does Onion Poisoning Happen?
Onions are toxic when they are consumed by dogs. This is especially true when large amounts are eaten but can also be toxic when eaten in smaller amounts over time.
Organosulfur compounds can be found in Allium species of plants, including onions. These compounds metabolize into highly reactive oxidants when ingested by your pup.
The reactive oxidants harm and damage a dog’s red blood cells, resulting in oxidative hemolysis. This condition affects the blood’s ability to properly transport oxygen throughout the body. Red blood cells also rupture and are destroyed.
Oxidative hemolysis causes dogs to develop anemia. While the condition can often pass on its own as new blood cells are produced within your pup’s body, severe cases can require a blood transfusion.
Are Onions the Only Food That Causes Onion Poisoning?
This may seem like a silly question with an obvious answer, but there are more foods within the Allium species that can cause onion poisoning in dogs than just onions. All types of onions, leeks, chives, scallions, green onions, and garlic are toxic for your pup to consume.
Garlic is critical to keep away from your dog. It is five times more potent than onions and, therefore, extremely toxic. Any foods containing garlic or any other Allium species should be kept away from your pup. To learn more about why dogs can’t have onions, click here.
This also includes seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, steak seasoning, and more. If it contains onions, garlic, or any plants listed above, it is not safe for your dog to eat. A toxic dose is about .5% of your dog’s body weight, which measures around 15 to 30 grams of onion per kilogram of your pup’s weight.
What to Look for if You Think Your Pup Has Onion Poisoning
There are several signs you can watch out for if your dog has consumed onions, garlic, or any other plant in the Allium species. Your dog may present with these symptoms right away, or it may take a few days.
Excessive salivating and irritation to the mouth can occur. Your dog may also experience vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
They may seem lethargic and look as though they feel weak. Your pup’s heart rate may become rapid, and they may pant excessively. Check their gums, as anemia could cause them to look pale or blue in color.
Lastly, your dog may collapse. If your dog’s symptoms are severe, they should be immediately taken to a vet to confirm the cause by a blood test or urinalysis.
What Should You Do if Your Dog Has Onion Poisoning?
The first thing you should do in any situation that involves your dog’s health is call your vet. If they are closed, contact an emergency vet near you. Severe onion poisoning can become fatal if not treated correctly.
If you notice your pup has just eaten onions, garlic, or any other plant in the Allium species, you can attempt to induce vomiting. You can also give your dog activated charcoal, which should help reduce the absorption of the toxic compounds during metabolism.
Your vet will let you know exactly what to do and if it is necessary to bring your dog in. If they say to monitor your pup’s symptoms, keep a close eye on them. Ensure that they are staying hydrated, especially if they are experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, which can quickly cause dehydration.
Remember to clean up any mess that may be remaining if your dog got into something and ensure any other onion products are out of their reach. If you see signs of anemia in your pup, such as pale or bluish gums, take your dog in to be seen.
Will My Dog Be Okay?
Typically, dogs can recover from onion poisoning, especially if a small amount was ingested. However, severe and untreated cases of onion poisoning can be fatal.
The best course of action is to avoid exposure to products containing plants from the Allium species. If your pup gets into food that contains these plants, monitor and care for them to ensure the best outcome.
Always contact your vet in situations like these. Excessive consumption of any plant in the Allium species requires an immediate vet visit to ensure that your dog will be alright.